I suppose I have been "on the rocky road to Dublin" since I first learned of my acceptance to University College Dublin to earn a Master of Arts in Media and International Conflict. I leave Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (which has been my home for 24 years) on August 30, 2010. I will arrive in Dublin on August 31 with my boyfriend, Matt, some luggage and all my hopes and dreams for a continuing education.
I have done my fair share of traveling, but I have never called anywhere except Pittsburgh home. I am far beyond excited and more nervous than I thought I would be. In addition to simply being exited about the move, I am overjoyed to be enrolled in school again. I graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism. Call me a nerd, but I have dearly missed school since graduating.
I knew I wanted to continue my education outside of the United States so I applied to many schools in Europe. I chose University College Dublin because ... they accepted me. OK, so I was accepted to University of Helsinki as well but I was already making arrangements for Ireland. In reality, the MA in Media and International Conflict offered at UCD seemed like the perfect program for me. I couldn't be happier with my choice and I am looking forward to the course work.
So, I am beginning this blog to share my excitement, my experiences and my labors throughout this journey. Maybe I can inspire others to study overseas or help students who may encounter similar problems or have the same questions I did (and still do) about school or moving to another country.
I am open to any questions anyone may have about my experiences and I am very much open to advice, suggestions, stories, anything and everything about Dublin, Ireland, graduate school, etc.
Hey Jess, it's Jeff Cummings! I really hope you have a great experience in Dublin. The beer should be an even better experience, lol. I'm so glad you're actually taking the steps necessary to get out in the world beyond our existence here in the U.S. and experience an education and a life that mostly all of us only talk about doing. I'm going to be saving this website and checking back for updates. I really enjoy reading blogs and to read one from an old best friend makes it even more worth it. I will try and respond to any questions or comments as best i can with either a definite answer or just an opinion from an outside perspective. Anyways, i hope all is well! Whatever you do out there, keep it fun and act as a sponge for all of the different people and experiences that are about to come your way :)
ReplyDeleteJeff!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's so good to hear from you! I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and comment on it. And thank you so much for all the encouragement!
<3